The Essential Attitude for a Changed Life
A Sermon on Luke 18:9-14 by Pastor Allan Santos
Watch the sermon here.
Introduction
Jesus had given us a parable that will help us to gauge ourselves if we are experiencing change in our living. This parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector will convict us to check our attitude toward God and the people around us. The parable deals with those people who are confident of their own righteousness and those who are repentant and show humility and commitment to God. May we all see the importance of humbling ourselves before the Lord and submitting to His authority and lordship in our lives.
Outline
Jesus’ teaching about Self-righteousness and Humility (vv.9-10)
The Pharisee: The Portrait of Spiritual Pride (vv.11-12)
The Tax Collector: The Model of True Humility (v.13)
The Lord gives mercy to the humble-hearted and despises the proud (v.14)
Life Application:
May we be careful to not belittle, condemn and judge people around us, because this is the fruit of spiritual pride. The Lord knows the heart and mind of people and He is the One who will expose the sins of people.
Let us not boast of our giftings, skills, wealth, and knowledge. God is the One who bestowed these things to us. Instead, let us declare His goodness and give Him the glory and praise for these things that He entrusted us with.
The tax collector recognized his sinful condition and affirmed God’s lordship in his life. He sought God’s forgiveness and corrections in his life. May we always remind ourselves to acknowledge God’s authority and lordship in our lives.
